GLOBAL BEE EMERGENCYQuietly, globally, billions of bees are dying, threatening our crops and
food. But a global ban of one group of pesticides could save bees from
extinction.

Four European countries have begun banning these poisons, and some bee
populations are recovering. But chemical companies are lobbying hard to
keep all killer pesticides on the market. A global outcry now for a ban in
the US and EU, where debate is raging, could provoke a total ban and a
ripple effect around the world.

Let’s build a giant global buzz calling for these dangerous chemicals to be
outlawed in the US and EU until and unless they are proved to be safe. Sign
the petition to save bees and our crops and send this to everyone:https://secure.avaaz.org/en/save_the_bees/

Pollination Canada — pollinating insects are “essential for over a billion
dollars of apples, pears, cucumbers, melons, berries, and many other kinds
of Canadian farm produce”.http://www.pollinationcanada.ca/

Commuun is one of the few Designer labels showing in Paris regularly who sport an ethical fashion approach. And like their famous colleague (Stella) their front foot is on design with their inspiration derived from nature, a respect they carry forward into their fashion designs from collection to collection.

When asked backstage what is the one constant in their collections, Iku Furudate and Kaito Hori responded that sourcing organic textiles is one of their trademarks for their collections. This year’s runway shows in Paris saw a lot of sheers, material that Commuun often uses in their collections.

Many of the fashion label’s fans at this year’s runway show in Paris held on March 7th agreed that this year’s collection bears witness to the design duo’s maturation and growth into their world-class label. Some of the textiles they used – all organically sourced – included an inversed velvet. The pops of color in the collection, too, are nature inspired and their name has nothing to do with “common” but rather references the concepts of community, communion and communication.

All photos by Paige Donner, Copyright Paige Donner

All photos by Paige Donner, Copyright Paige Donner

The NY trained, Tokyo originating design duo of Iku Furudate and Kaito Hori launched their label in 2005 which is also when they first began showing in Paris. In 2007 they won the LVMH and Longchamp ANDAM prizes.

Paige Donner is Founder and Ed. In Chief of Greening Beauty and Greening Hollywood as well as The Green Blog Network.

Bulgari launched a unique silver and ceramic ring modelled after the famed B.zero.1 line in October 2010, with $75 from each ring benefiting Save the Children.

Julianne Moore wears Bvlgari, Golden Globes 2011 – Getty Images

Piper Perabo wears Bvlgari, 68th Annual Golden Globes – Getty Images

For 2010-2011, Bulgari has made an additional commitment of $7.4 million to Save the Children to help fund education programs, healing and education through the arts, teacher training, and other related programs in China, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti, Indonesia, India, Ivory Coast, Kenya, South East Europe, Southern Sudan, Uganda and the United States.

Actress JULIANNE MOORE, nominated for Best Actress in a motion picture (Comedy or Musical) wore:

Actress Hayley Atwell, nominated for Best Actress in a Mini-Series or Motion Picture (Made for Television) – Getty Images

Recognizing that education has the power to transform lives, Bulgari has since 2009 partnered with leading non-profit organization Save the Children to provide quality education opportunities for the world’s most vulnerable children. In 2009, Bulgari raised over $9 million to support education programs and teacher training in Afghanistan, China, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti, Indonesia, Ivory Coast, Southern Sudan, Uganda and countries in South East Europe. Proceeds from the sale of a much celebrated silver anniversary ring contributed to Save the Children’s Rewrite the Future campaign, which targeted support for over 10 million of the world’s children.

The design-your-own trend is one we’ve seen brought to countless product categories already, including — on several occasions — dresses. What’s interesting about New York-based Coco Myles is that it brings the concept to bridesmaid dresses, allowing the bride to choose the colour scheme while the bridesmaids design their own styles.

Consumers can create a variety of types of dresses at Coco Myles, including those intended for special events such as weddings and proms. All dresses are custom-made to the customer’s specifications and then cut and sewn by hand by a team of professional dressmakers. That’s all well and good, but the company really caught our eye for its special services for brides and bridesmaids. Specifically, brides can use the site’s tailored interface to choose the color and other features of their bridesmaids’ attire while permitting the wearers to choose a style that is right for their own tastes, body type and comfort. Available in sizes 0 through 32 — including maternity designs — Coco Myles’ custom made-to-order dresses take only about five weeks to produce and cost approximately USD 150. A Bridal Fabric Reservation System even lets brides make sure that their bridesmaids’ dresses are all cut from the same bolt, no matter when they get ordered.

Stylist Nathalie Garçon, the ambassador for Paris, Shopping and fashion capital,has a chic, ethnic style full of colour. Having discovered her love of fashion in Cannes, where she is originally from, she now considers herself 100% Parisian and tells us all about “her” capital.

Parisian by adoption for 30 years, you know the capital better than many of its citizens. If you had to persuade someone to visit for the first time, what would you say to them?

N.G.: It’s the most varied and disconcerting city I know, with such a classic air. It’s constantly changing with the times; a capital that manages the ultimate mixture of a rich historic past and the eclectic influence brought by a large influx of foreign visitors. But it’s also a dream city for any fashion lover!

If you were to spend 24 hours rediscovering Paris, in your own way, from breakfast to late evening, what would you choose to do?

N.G.: First of all, I’d have breakfast at Dalloyau in the 6th, with its view over the Luxembourg garden, followed by a walk and certainly a game of tennis in the “Luco”, which I absolutely adore. I’d then stroll around the surrounding streets for a bit of shopping, before stopping off around 11.45am, for a coffee at Flore, boulevard Saint-Germain, and a bit of people-watching. I’d then head towards the Musée du Quai-Branly to rediscover the collections of oceanic masks which is just as enjoyable each time I visit. Then it’d be off to Trocadéro, for a bit of a walk and to admire the Eiffel Tower; passing by the terrace at Carette, a hot spot for Parisians.

After that I’d go to the Marais district and get a Vélib; a quick stop along the lively rue de Bretagne for some organic fruit, and then I’d take a look around the Musée Picasso. I’d have lunch quite late on rue Charlot, in one of the little restaurants that have recently opened there, before continuing on to Drouot, where I’d hope to find something a bit unusual. At the end of the afternoon, a drink at the bar of the Meurice, before a trip to the theatre. Dinner at Cristal de Sel, a little bistro I love, one last drink at Mathis and finally to bed!

As an internationally renowned stylist, is Paris a source of inspiration?

N.G.: Paris instills into creators a subtle mixture of freedom, fantasy and elegance. But it’s also a multicultural capital, and so open to the entire world, making its influence both very Parisian and completely cosmopolitan at the same time.

Paris is continually evolving, with new boutiques, but also the opening of many palaces in the coming months. Do you think that this return to such grand luxury will breathe new life into the city?

N.G.: These palaces are both a reflection of a constantly changing world, and a strong sign of the end of the economic crisis. Paris is offering a large number of exceptional venues that will attract foreign visitors, many of whom may never have previously visited the city; they will also bring back visitors who are looking for high quality, up-market accommodation.

The elegance of Parisian women is often the envy of the world. But what do you think of Parisians, and what would you like to suggest to them?

N.G.: Definitely a bit more fantasy and freedom, both of which are fun. Men are definitely less favoured than women with regards to day-to-day fashion, as they’re still limited to a suit at work, but a simple accessory in a lively colour or elegant shoes would add a bit of creativity, making it less dull. And certainly more humour and lightness … And if their professional environment doesn’t allow them freedom with their clothes, my main advice would be to try and make a real effort at the weekend, rather than slouching around in jogging bottoms or other clothes that may very well make their own grandfathers blush!

You’re the ambassador for Paris, Shopping and fashion capital. For the “Soldes by Paris”, what advice can you offer to visitors and Parisians looking to make the most of the sales?

N.G.: The sales are always a chaotic time that merit a bit of practical preparation: good shoes (don’t wear them if they’re new!), clothes that are easy to take on and off in the changing rooms without a struggle …Then, you also need to make sure you avoid the well-known areas, as they get very busy. Go and discover new places during the sales with friends; and of course an outside opinion is always handy to avoid those shopping mistakes!

Stella’s New Fasion App: The app contains an article on artist Barry Reigate, whose drawings are also featured on the homepage of the newly redesigned Stella McCartney website, an indepth look on Land Art today, a medium that uses nature as inspiration, All this and News, Videos, and photos from recent events and presentations.

The Ipad App features original content about the World of Stella McCartney. The launch issue features a “What’s News” section highlighting the latest updates about the brand, including a first look at backstage at the recent Summer 2011 show in Paris and an exclusive performance by Pharrell Williams and N*E*R*D at the after party. Editorial stories such as: “Stella’s Diary” on the day of her Spring 2011 presentation in New York consisting of an animated collage by artist Jeremy Kost; the debut of “In the Park,” a video directed by Alasdair McLellan with music by Brian Eno with Dree Hemingway in the most iconic looks from the Winter collection.

Interactive stories include an interview with the world’s tennis number 1, Caroline Wozniacki, the face of the Adidas by Stella McCartney tennis collection and a fun and playful story on the recently launched Stella McCartney Kids collection by Ryan McGinley.

Over the years, I have had the opportunity to see beauty in almost every form. Whether it is on set with a model, at home with my wife and kids or even in the heart of Africa filming Generation Free, I am constantly surprised and confronted with the many elements that make up beauty. I am now ready to share these elements with you in my first book, Nigel Barker’s Beauty Equation.

Casting aside conventional rules, I draw on 20 years of experience in the beauty business and 13 seasons of judging America’s Next Top Model to unleash the 10 essential elements that make up true beauty: Allure, Confidence, Compassion, Spontaneity, Radiance, Health, Honesty, Charm, Energy + Humor.

As you discover your Beauty Equation, I will guide you through a series of instructive teaches and self-portraiture challenges that will reveal a better and more beautiful you. On your journey, you will make a portfolio of photos, words, and inspiration detailing how truly beautiful you are and can be.

Just like the dynamic portfolio of a top model, filled with a full range of their best shots, your portfolio will highlight your best attributes and show the true you. You can choose to keep this portfolio private, or you can share it with the Beauty Equation community online at www.beautyequation.com. Here, you can post your work, track your Beauty Equation progress, and share your experiences with other readers from around the globe!

Greening Beauty & Greening Hollywood’s Gift Guide, Holidays 2010

After you’ve donated to the water/earth/tree/sky/animal/children/developing world/urban community/greenspace et al. charities of your choice this season, here are some feelgood treats for your loved ones…and for you!

Roses et Chocolat

This delightful hand-made, artisanal chocolate is crafted singlehandedly by Rachel, the owner of Vancouver’s CocoaNymph. It is one of the only chocolate shops in the world I’ve been in that invites you to stay and savor a cup of hot chocolate before making off with your carefully culled cocoa concoctions.

Talika Eye Dream

The Expert of Specific Treatments, Talika is a Paris based cosmeceutical company that excels at boosting your attributes. Whether that’s bust firming and lifting, or eyelash elongating or, as we recommend for a lovely and illuminating look for the holidays, their Eye Dream product. It comes fashioned in its own applicator so need to dip in fingers, it provides your eye area with exactly the right amount of dosage and a smooth applicator that soothes as it spreads the light cream. Ingredients are: Peptides, Dipeptides, Soybean Protein Extract, Floral Waters of Lime and Orange, Horse Chestnut Extract, Vitamin F. When you wake up puffiness around the eyes are reduced and eye contour area is thoroughly moisturised and smoothed.

Ojon Hair Products

Ojon Winter Shine & Protect Products

Sustainable harvesting allows Ojon to share the treasures of the rainforest without destruction or depletion of the resource. The naturally derived ingredients used in their products, such as the Winter Shine & Protect line, are all harvested, sustainably, from the rainforest. Their Shine & Protect glossing mist is fortified with Ojon Oil, Broccoli Seed Oil, Wheat Germ and Sweet Almond Oil. And…it works! Sold exclusively at Sephora. Available in Canada, Australia, U.S., U.K. and Germany.

Four Cow Farm Calendula Remedy

The ONLY Calendula-infused olive oil balm on the market which is made from 80% organic Calendula-infused olive oil. All others are much lighter creams or tinctures (which are steeped in alcohol and can be very drying). It’s been formulated to soothe inflamed or irritated skin, or skin prone to dryness or eczema and was our first product, designed for a naughty toddler with eczema. It is the richest, most soothing 100% natural balm currently on the market. It can also soothe baby’s dry skin conditions and eczema.

Four Cow Farm products are made with 100% renewable energy on their green energy farm, and their bottles and jars are made from light, 100% recyclable materials. Four Cow Farm, Australia

Patyka Huile Absolue

This face and body serum smells so good you can use it as a perfume; it is so effective that you can use it as a first aid remedy for minor cuts and abrasions. Made from 11 essential oils and plant oils, it is super anti-oxidizing for the skin. You can use it on the face, on your body and also as a deep-oil conditioning treatment for your hair.

Inspired by a poem, Ayala chose to create her Hanami perfume around the themes of subtle and urbane, flowers and dusty dirt. She recreated the dusty, urban landscape of the Metro by using Cabreuva, siamwood and cassie to achieve the metallic scent of wet train tracks. Vetiver and bakul attar contribute their dusty notes, and then cherry blossoms are represented by an accord of vanilla, tonka bean, pink lotus and magnolia. Perfumes are all natural based and the glass used is French-sourced bottles of recycled and recyclable glass.

Luminosity, Radiance, Instantly Healthy. Iroisie’s Instant Beauty Fresh Mask will bestow on your complexion all of these gifts and more. It is formulated with the purest ingredients harvested from the sea and the country in France. A quick Eco Beauty pick-me-up, you will notice your face toned, brightened and glowing with Iroisie products. EcoCert and CosmeBio www.iroisie.com

For Our Men…

Origins

Express Male by Origins is a nice tidy package of natural and clean personal grooming products that make a chic gift for your metrosexual male. Skin conditioning Kukui Nut oil and Smoothing Soybean oil will have his razor gliding nearly hands-free across his stubbly square jaw. Fire Fighter® takes the burn out of shaving and is loaded with Chamomile, Cucumber and Winterbloom. Available at all Origins stores.

VitaZing ™ SPF 15 Energy Boosting Moisturizer

In a recent interview with Live Science®, one of the researchers behind a study noted in theDecember 2009 International Journal of Primatology, Ian Stephen explains, “effectively health1and attractiveness are pretty much the same thing .” In the study, to optimize the healthyappearance of male and female subjects, rosiness, yellowness and brightness were improvedin digital photographs. The study revealed that these changes to the skin “enhance theperceived health of human faces.” In a world where many of us work long days (andsometimes nights), do not get enough water or nutrients, or perhaps, have little ones at home,how is it possible to achieve a rosy, bright, healthy glow, instantly?

Recycled gift-wrapping tissue from Calligrane at 6, rue du Pont Louis Philippe, Paris. And best to replace those unrecyclable ribbons and bows with…torn strips of old t-shirts strung with cool, found beads and other objets bijoux that you find. Now there’s a gift fit for a Queen or a King!

BUDDHA NOSE SELECTED AS A TOP 10 FINALIST IN THE BRITISH AIRWAYS “FACE OF OPPORTUNITY” CONTEST

New York based business owner, Amy Galper, is a Top 10 Finalist in the British Airways Face of Opportunity Contest for 2010. Ms. Galper, who is owner of BUDDHA NOSE LTD, created a video pitch highlighting the expanding international distribution of her organic body care brand.

As one of the Top 10 companies, Amy is eligible to win a travel grant from British Airways, which includes 10 round trip tickets anywhere in the world– to meet “face to face” with distributors and international customers.

As a Top 10 finalist, Amy Galper’s video pitch will be part of a final round of voting, which begins on December 10, 2010 and ends December 17, 2010 at midnight to determine the top 3 finalists. Each of the three finalists will have approximately 5 minutes to pitch their global business plan and demonstrate how winning a British Airways Travel Grant will benefit their business and allow them to better meet their business objectives. The panel judges will include:
– Bill Rancic: entrepreneur, best-selling author and first season winner of The Apprentice
– Bethenny Frankel: celebrated natural food chef, creator of the Skinnygirl Margarita, and New York Times best-selling author of Naturally Thin and The Skinnygirl Dish
– Barbara Corcoran: Corcoran group (sold in 2001 for $70M), best-selling author, investor on ABC’s SharkTank and contributor to the Today Show and other media outlets

Amy Galper was selected in this national competition out of a group of approximately 2400 entries and, as a finalist, has already won an invitation to participate in three days of events in New York and London during February 2, 3, and 4, as well as a round trip ticket to any destination British Airways flies to around the world, to further her business.